The EE-11 Urutu (Crossed Pit Viper) APC was produced to compliment the capabilities of the similar EE-9 Cascavel Armored Cars; which were followed by the EE-3 Jararca Scout Car. The APC shares many parts and components with the other vehicles which lowers costs and eases maintenance problems.

The Urutu was produced in 7 different production marks (1-7), but most of the differences were internal in nature (engine upgrades) so the exterior appearance of the APC was not significantly changed.  The armored personnel carrier was the most numerous model of the Urutu.  However other variants were produced including, an ambulance, cargo carrier, command post, recovery vehicle and the armored fighting support vehicle fielding a 90mm cannon.